Srinagar, Apr 17: Amid the ongoing strike by cooks and a reported shortage of LPG across Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum has expressed serious concern over the approach adopted by certain Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), accusing them of unfairly targeting teachers over the disruption in the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme. In a statement issued here, Provincial president JKTF Javed Ahmad Bhat said that ZEOs, during recent school visits, have been seeking explanations from school heads for the non-preparation of MDM, despite the situation being beyond their control. "Such practice is unfortunate and unjustified. The absence of cooks and non-availability of LPG has made it impossible for schools to run the scheme smoothly," he said. He said holding teachers and school heads accountable under such circumstances was neither fair nor logical. "The teaching community has continued to demonstrate dedication and responsibility even in challenging conditions," Bhat in a statement said. JKaTF further alleged that in some instances, teachers have been directed to prepare meals themselves using firewood. "Such move impractical and unreasonable and such directives fall outside the professional responsibilities of teachers and undermine the dignity of the profession," he said. Highlighting systemic issues, JKTF provincial president said that ensuring the availability of LPG and addressing logistical bottlenecks in the MDM scheme lies within the administrative domain, not with the teaching staff. "JKTF urges the authorities to ensure timely supply of LPG and streamline arrangements so that schools can function without disruption," he said. He said that despite constraints, many school heads and teachers have been making sincere efforts to keep the MDM system operational. "At times teachers spend from their own salaries due to delays in fund disbursement," he said. Bhat said that instead of issuing explanations, there is a need to acknowledge efforts of teachers and extend the necessary support to them. JKTF appealed to the concerned officers to adopt a more empathetic and constructive approach, stressing that better coordination between field officials and school staff is essential for the smooth functioning of educational institutions. "We hope that corrective measures would be taken at the earliest in the larger interest of the education system," the JKTF statement reads.

'Our institution has consistently upheld respect for all faiths and traditions. We apologetically regret for unwanted confusion, within DPS Baramulla family' Baramulla, Apr 12:  The management of Delhi Public School (DPS) Baramulla on Saturday said the incident that took place at the campus was a “misunderstanding” which was “selectively interpreted” and misrepresented in the public domain. In an official statement issued here, the school management said that the content being circulated regarding the alleged incident does not reflect the true facts and has been presented out of context, leading to “unwanted confusion” within the school community. The management has expressed regret over the situation and appealed to stakeholders, including parents, educationists and civil society members, to maintain calm and exercise restraint. “We deeply and apologetically regret for this unwanted confusion, if any, within our DPS Baramulla family,” the official statement reads. The management, however, alleged that certain elements with “vested interests” were attempting to give the issue a communal colour. "Our institution has consistently upheld respect for all faiths and traditions. The ethos of school is rooted in dignity, mutual respect and inclusive educational practices," the statement reads. Referring to the incident, the school described it as an “isolated situation” that occurred earlier in the day and led to avoidable confusion at the premises. "Emotionally sensitive matters require clarity and balanced understanding rather than speculation," the statement reads. The management further highlighted the role of parents in the institution’s growth and said that continued support from the parent community has enabled the school to maintain strong ethical and academic standards. The management of DPS Baramulla has reiterated its commitment to transparency and the well-being of students while urging parents and the wider community to act "responsibly while engaging with information and to help preserve the sanctity of educational spaces." “We request everyone to exercise discretion and support an environment that strengthens unity, mutual respect and educational purpose,” the statement reads.

Srinagar, April 10: Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Nazir Ahmad Ganai, has been selected for the 2025–2026 Fulbright-Nehru International Education Administrators (FNIEA) Award, according to an announcement by the United States-India Educational Foundation. The selection places Prof Ganai among a group of Indian academic leaders chosen for a high-level engagement with the United States’ higher education system under the Fulbright-Nehru program, which is sponsored by the U.S. government. The FNIEA award is aimed at senior-level academic administrators and involves participation in seminars, institutional visits, and meetings with U.S. universities and government agencies to exchange perspectives on higher education systems, partnerships, and academic practices. Under the program, Prof Ganai is expected to engage with institutions in the United States to explore collaboration opportunities and global academic practices. During his tenure, SKUAST-K has expanded international academic linkages, including collaborations with universities such as the University of Guelph in Canada, Western Sydney University, and Murdoch University in Australia. The university has also introduced new academic programs in areas such as artificial intelligence in agriculture, economics, and data sciences, aimed at aligning with emerging trends in the agriculture sector. Speaking on the selection, Prof Ganai said he was honored and described the recognition as a reflection of the university’s growing engagement in the global academic space. He said he would seek to bring back insights to further strengthen academic standards and collaborations. SKUAST-K has been ranked among leading state agricultural universities in India in recent assessments, reflecting developments in research, academics, and outreach.

Srinagar, Apr 10: Students from the Department of Information Technology, Central University of Kashmir (CUK), have brought laurels to the institution by securing the Second Position in the V0 by Vercel Track at the prestigious Cursor Hackathon Kashmir 2026, held at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on March 28 and 29. The two-day hackathon, themed “Build for the Next Billion,” served as a platform for young innovators to showcase their technical acumen, creativity, and problem-solving abilities while addressing real-world challenges. Representing the University, Nimra Wani and Milad Ajaz Bhat, students of B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering, developed an innovative project titled “Raasta,” an AI-powered platform designed to tackle everyday challenges in Kashmir by making technology more accessible, simple, and inclusive. The project aims to bridge the gap between users and essential services through four key domains: Samjho, which simplifies complex information; Zameen, focusing on crop intelligence and farmer support; Taleem, offering career guidance and youth-centric services; and Raah, an AI-based decision-making and guidance system. The platform integrates user-friendly features such as multilingual support, voice and text interaction, and real-time updates, thereby enhancing its usability and outreach. The achievement of the students underscores their strong technical expertise, innovative thinking, and commitment to developing impactful solutions for societal challenges. It also reflects the growing culture of excellence, research, and creativity being fostered within the IT Department at the Central University of Kashmir.

Srinagar April 10: The Department of Biochemistry, University of Kashmir (KU), on Friday inaugurated the 45th Annual Meeting of the Indian Association for Cancer Research (IACR), alongside a four-day international conference titled ‘Advancements in Cancer Research: Discoveries, Therapeutics and Challenges’ at the varsity’s Main Campus. Bringing together scientists, clinicians and academicians, the conference aims to serve as a dynamic platform for sharing ideas, presenting cutting-edge research, and exploring innovative approaches in cancer care, with a strong focus on improving diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. The event has attracted leading experts from across India and abroad, including participants from premier institutions such as AIIMS, IISc Bengaluru, and IITs, as well as globally reputed universities and research centres including Mayo Clinic, Emory University, and Harvard University. Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said the conference brings together diverse scientific perspectives to address one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. "Such academic engagements are essential for developing innovation and strengthening research that can translate into better healthcare outcomes,” she said. Director, SKIMS Srinagar, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, in his remarks said, “Collaboration between clinicians and researchers is key to advancing cancer care. Platforms like this enable meaningful dialogue that can bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice.” Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, and Dean Research KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research and stressed on the need for sustained academic efforts to address complex health issues like cancer. Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, noted that the University is committed to promoting quality research and academic exchange at national and international levels. President, IACR, Prof. Subrata Sinha, spoke about the vision and goals of the association, and emphasized advancing cancer research through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. Earlier, in her welcome address, Head, Department of Biochemistry KU and convenor of the event, Prof. Sharjul Amin, outlined the objectives of the conference and highlighted its importance in bringing together experts working across various domains of cancer research. The conference abstract book was also released on the occasion. Students and scholars from across the country and abroad are attending the event. It features keynote and plenary lectures, thematic sessions, and oral and poster presentations on diverse areas of cancer research, including immunotherapy, genomics, precision oncology, and emerging therapeutic approaches

Transparent election process will ensure strong leadership for private education sector: Baba Nazrul Islam Srinagar, Apr 8: Private Schools Association J&K (PSAJK) on Wednesday held the elections for the post of District President of the association in Kupwara. On the occasion Altaf Anjum Qureshi was once again unanimously elected as District President. The election process witnessed great enthusiasm, with members associated with private educational institutions from across the district, zonal presidents, and executive body members participating actively. The important electoral meeting was held at My New School Dragmulla, where Zonal heads, executive members and private school representatives from different areas of the district were present. The election process was supervised by Election Convenor Farooq Ashai, who ensured that the voice vote  and overall procedure were conducted in a transparent and organized manner. On this occasion, President of PSAJK, Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam, attended as the chief guest. Besides, Chairman of Welkin School Sopore, Inayat Hajni, along with Shakir Ashraf, Dr Abrar Mir DP Baramulla and Mubeen Ahmad  secretary PSAJK Baramulla and prominent educationists, were observors in the election process. Talking to media persons, Baba Nazrul Islam said the association is conducting democratic and transparent elections across all districts to ensure that the private education sector is provided with strong and effective leadership. Baba cherished the contribution of Dr G N Var for making the platform of PSAJK inclusive and collaborative. He added that serious efforts were being made to improve the quality of private education in Jammu & Kashmir, address the issues faced by schools, and further strengthen the educational environment. Newly elected District President Altaf Anjum Qureshi expressed gratitude to all members and assured that he would strongly highlight the issues faced by private schools in Kupwara at every platform. He said that the association will continue its struggle for the rights of private educational institutions, improvement in the standard of education, and protection of school interests. "I considers the trust of members as a responsibility and will maintain close coordination with schools across the district, ensuring that their concerns are effectively conveyed to higher authorities to further strengthen the private education sector," he said

Director lauds achievement, calls it pride for Kashmir valley Srinagar, April 6: A PhD graduate from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, Dr. Zarak Bhat has joined the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, as a Postdoctoral Researcher. Dr. Zarak is the first PhD scholar from the Nanoelectronics Research and Development Group at NIT Srinagar, completed her doctoral studies under the supervision of Dr. Sheikh Aamir Ahsan in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. She has been inducted into the APRIL AI Hub at the University of Edinburgh, where her research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence-driven methodologies into electron device design workflows. Her work aims to accelerate optimisation processes, enhance performance prediction, and improve productivity in semiconductor innovation. During her doctoral research, Dr. Zarak worked extensively on power Gallium Nitride (GaN) models. Her contributions, published in leading journals including IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, played a key role in developing the NITSRI-GaN modeling framework. The research has drawn attention for bridging device-level physics with circuit-level simulations, particularly for next-generation power electronic systems. Her appointment marks a major milestone for both the researcher and the institute, reflecting the growing global recognition of advanced semiconductor research being conducted at NIT Srinagar. Dr. Ahsan, who leads the research group, expressed pride in this achievement, noting that such milestones highlight the group’s commitment to high-quality industry-relevant research. “It is always a rewarding experience to see students grow and take on new challenges at leading global institutions,” he said. Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, congratulated Dr. Ahsan and Dr. Zarak. He termed it as a proud moment for the institute and the Kashmir valley. “This achievement is a matter of immense pride for our institute and the entire Kashmir valley. Dr. Zarak’s selection at a prestigious global institution reflects the high academic standards and research excellence nurtured at NIT Srinagar,” he said. Prof. Kanaujia added that NIT Srinagar is committed to fostering innovation and producing researchers who can contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge fields like semiconductor technology on the global stage.

Private Universities to generate employment, boost investment, strengthen knowledge economy of J&K: G N Var Srinagar, April, 4: The Civil Society, on Saturday welcomed the J&K Government over passing Jammu & Kashmir Private Universities Act Bill while describing the move as a historic and much-needed reform aimed at addressing a long-standing gap in the J&K’s Private higher education sector.  Addressing a press conference here, members said the landmark legislation marks a significant step toward expanding academic opportunities within Jammu & Kashmir and is expected to play a transformative role in strengthening the region’s educational infrastructure, research capacity and knowledge-based economy. Speaking to the media, Dr. Mehboob Makhdoomi (Founder WathHarbor Foundation) said the enactment of the Private Universities Act Bill marks a progressive step toward strengthening the private education sector in Jammu & Kashmir. He said for many years, the absence of a structured legislative framework for private universities had compelled thousands of students to move outside Jammu & Kashmir in pursuit of quality higher education, leading to both intellectual migration and financial strain on families. He added that the new law lays the foundation for reversing this trend by enabling reputed local institutions to establish campuses within the region, thereby expanding academic opportunities locally. "Modern universities are not confined to traditional classroom learning but function as knowledge hubs that promote research, innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development aligned with emerging global disciplines such as artificial intelligence, data science, and sustainability studies," he said. He further said that the establishment of private universities would create local employment opportunities, encourage investment, strengthen innovation ecosystems and contribute to the overall socio-economic growth of Jammu & Kashmir. Founding President of Private Schools Association J&K and Chairman Coaching Centres Association G N Var welcomed the initiative of the Jammu & Kashmir Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, education minister Sakina Itoo and all Members of the Legislative Assembly who supported this historic bill. He also expressed special appreciation for MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah for strongly supporting the bill and for consistently raising important discussions on education within the Assembly. Var extended his gratitude for his constructive role in strengthening the education sector and promoting policies that expand opportunities for students. He described the passing of the Private Universities Act Bill as an important milestone in the educational journey of the region, reflecting a progressive vision similar in spirit to the educational reforms initiated by Shere-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, founder of the National Conference and popular leader of J&K, who introduced landmark education reforms in the early years of his governance, laying the foundation for expanding access to education across Jammu & Kashmir. Var said that this forward-looking policy will strengthen academic infrastructure, create healthy competition, improve quality standards and expand opportunities for students to pursue advanced studies within their home region. S P Qaisar eminent consultant stated that the legislation will provide a structured regulatory framework ensuring transparency, accountability and academic excellence. He expressed optimism that credible local private institutions will be encouraged to establish campuses in Jammu & Kashmir, enhancing the credibility and competitiveness of the region’s higher education system. Ishfaq Zehgeer, representing the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCC&I), welcomed the development, saying that private universities will play a transformative role in boosting economic growth, encouraging investment, generating skilled employment and supporting the expansion of innovation-led enterprises across the region. Qazi Touseef, representative of KTMF, welcomed the initiative and  that the development of robust higher education infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir will strengthen the overall business ecosystem. He added that such universities will contribute to sustainable economic growth while creating new opportunities for local enterprises. Dr Touseef Bhat, prominent Socio environmental Activist and industrial consultant, expressed that private universities could positively contribute to advancing research and promoting sustainable development studies. He highlighted the constructive role academic institutions may play in supporting the region through well-informed, research-driven policy recommendations.  Prof Nighat Fatima, Educationist, highlighted that the introduction of private universities will broaden the scope of specialized courses, particularly in research-driven disciplines, professional education and skill-oriented programmes. She emphasised that collaboration between academic and industry would help students gain practical exposure and improve employability prospects. Dr Afifa Kamili Member, WathHarbor Foundation observed that private universities act can play a vital role in strengthening research culture and academic innovation. She stated that improved access to modern laboratories, faculty exchange programmes and international collaborations would significantly enhance the quality of higher education in Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasised that the policy will particularly benefit students from economically weaker backgrounds by expanding access to diverse educational opportunities. Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu Kashmir Students Association, welcomed the initiative, stating that the establishment of private universities within Jammu & Kashmir will significantly benefit local students by expanding access to diverse academic programmes and modern learning opportunities within the region. He said that this development will reduce the compulsion for students to migrate outside J&K for higher education, ease the financial burden on their families and create a more supportive academic environment closer to home. Khuehami further said that the presence of reputed institutions will enhance skill development, promote research based education and open new pathways for career growth among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. The civil society and other members of the WathHarbor Foundation said that the passage of the Jammu & Kashmir Private Universities Act Bill 2026 marks the beginning of an important transformation in the higher education landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. Members emphasised that the priority should now be to establish  local credible, inclusive and high-quality institutions aligned with the long-term educational, social and economic aspirations of Jammu & Kashmir. Civil society representatives expressed their commitment to constructive engagement with policymakers, academic experts and industry stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the Act leads to the development of a transparent, accountable and future-ready higher education ecosystem capable of empowering students and supporting sustainable growth in the region. The participants deliberated on the significance of the Jammu & Kashmir Private Universities Act Bill and highlighted its potential to strengthen higher education, promote research and innovation, enhance skill development and contribute to long-term economic progress in Jammu & Kashmir.

Conducts surprise visit of Srinagar schools, says morning assemblies must integrate moral education Srinagar, Apr 3: The Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani Friday directed all the Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) of across Kashmir to visit schools in their jurisdiction for morning inspections. The ZEOs were asked to submit weekly reports to the directorate as well. He issued these instructions to the heads of the schools during his surprise visit to some of the schools of Srinagar district during first half hour of opening of the educational institutions. He further asked the school heads to incorporate moral and value based education in morning assemblies besides focusing on ensuring punctuality, discipline, and institutional accountability. DSEK also monitored the attendance of teaching staff and assessed the overall functioning of schools as well. During his visit to Government Middle School (GMS) Aloochi Bagh, DSEK personally verified staff attendance and also joined the students in the morning prayer. During his interaction with the staff, Wani said the initial moments of school opening set the tone for the entire day and must reflect discipline, commitment and a sense of purpose. "Morning assemblies should be conducted with full enthusiasm while incorporating moral and value-based education as an essential component," he said. He also highlighted the importance of structured academic functioning and emphasised that all teaching-learning activities should be carried out in an organized manner and strictly in accordance with the academic calendar prescribed by the department. DSEK said the department was committed to strengthening accountability, improving academic standards and fostering a disciplined and value-driven educational environment in all schools across Kashmir.

Srinagar, Apr 3: The education sector in north Kashmir's Kupwara district has been left on crutches as around 62 percent posts of lecturers are lying vacant in the higher secondary schools of the district. Besides, 42 percent posts of masters are also lying the schools, affecting the academics in the schools. The figures were revealed by the J&K Government in response to a question raised by MLA Langate Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh who sought cadre-wise details of sanctioned positions of lecturers, masters, teachers and other allied staff in Kupwara district. The minister for education informed the House that against sanctioned strength of 675 posts of lecturers, 254 posts were filled while 421 posts were vacant in the district. "Out of 866 posts of Masters, 501 are filled while 365 posts are lying vacant," the minister informed the Assembly. The government further informed the House that out of 3500 posts of teachers, 2871 were filled while 365m posts were lying vacant. "These vacant posts have been freezed for drawal of salary for Grade II and III teachers," the minister informed the House. The government further said against the total sanctioned strength of 6424 posts of teaching and non-teaching staff 4767 were filled while 1165 posts were unfilled in education department of Kupwara district. About Langate constituency, the government said that 93 posts of lecturers, 59 posts of Masters and 17 posts of teachers were lying vacant in Langate constituency. "Out of total sanctioned strength of 1673 teaching and non-teaching posts, 1407 were filled while 266 posts were lying vacant," the government informed the House. The government further said that the shortage of teaching staff in District Kupwara, particularly Langate Constituency was being addressed through rationalisation of available teaching staff in accordance with established norms and requirements. "In addition, the services of Cluster Resource Coordinators (CRCs) are being utilized, wherever necessary, to ensure that academic activities in the concerned institutions continue smoothly and effectively," minister for education informed the House.

Srinagar, April 3: The educational institutions in remote areas continue to remain out of sight of the government as around 80 percent of the lecturer positions are lying vacant in higher secondary schools of Gurez valley. The revelation was made by the government during the ongoing Budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly in response to a question raised by MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan. MLA Gurez raised the issue about the "severe dearth" of teaching faculty in the higher secondary schools of Gurez constituency which has adversely affected the educational prospects of the students enrolled in these schools. The government in its reply informed the House that out of 85 sanctioned posts of lecturers only 25 posts were filled while 60 positions of the lecturers were lying vacant in the Gurez. "To overcome the shortage of staff at the +2 level Zone Gurez, series of local postgraduate teachers and masters are being utilized against the vacant lecturer positions, and CRCs are being engaged," the government in its reply informed the Assembly. The government further said that the administrative department was actively pursuing the promotion aspects which is expected to narrow down the gap. However sharing school wise details, the government informed the Legislative Assembly that 12 posts of lecturers were vacant in Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Purana Tulail while seven posts were vacant in BHSS and six posts were lying vacant in BHSS Baduab. The government further informed that seven posts were vacant in Girls HSS Dawer, BHSSS Izmarg (9), BHSS Badugam (9) and HSS Kilshat (10). "594 vacancies of lecturers of different subjects have been referred to the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC). The selection lists of these vacancies are in final stages and selections have been received in some subjects," the government said. The House was informed that the department has already initiated the exercise of placing eligible PG masters and PG teachers as in-charge lecturers to fill up the vacancies arising in schools. "Since January 2026, 48 PG Masters/Teachers in the discipline of Geography, 87 in the discipline of Political Science, and 10 in the discipline of Dogri have been placed as in-charge lecturers," the government said. The Government further said that the School Education Department was contemplating placing more PG masters in other disciplines as in-charge lecturers to fill up the vacancies of lecturers. "The teachers currently on deputation outside Gurez have also been detached and repatriated back to Gurez," Government informed the House. As already reported, in February this year, CEO Bandipora was put under suspension a day after he cancelled the deputation of teaching staff in Bandipora and  repatriated them to their original place of posting Gurez. On Monday, minister for education Sakina Itoo revealed in the Legislative Assembly that around 150 lecturers and principals of Gurez were working in urban areas. She said that all these lecturers will be sent back to their original place of posting, provided there is no "undue influence" from any quarters. She said that directions were already issued to the Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) to detach these teachers from their current postings and send them back to their original place of postings in Gurez," she informed the House. "There should be no undue influence or recommendations from any member or other quarters if these lecturers and principals are sent back to their original place of postings," Sakina Itoo said in the Assembly.

'Enrolment drives conducted every year to ensure 100% enrollment' Srinagar, April 3: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Legislator Devinder Kumar Manyal on Thursday raised alarm over the dropout rate of students from primary to secondary level students in government schools across J&K. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, BJP Legislator said that the dropout rate of students at primary level was 1.6 percent and 3.3 percent at Upper Primary level. He said that the dropout rate of students at secondary level was 13.4  percent as compared to national average of 8.4 percent. "The percent of dropout rate of students is higher than national average which is a major concern for the government," he said. He was speaking in the House in response to the reply provided by the government regarding the steps taken by the School Education Department (SED) to address the declining enrollment of the students in government schools. "School Education Department has taken a number of initiatives to bring the children to the school and to ensure 100 percent enrolment at primary level," the minister in-charge for education informed the Legislative Assembly. She said the department was holding enrolment drives at directorate level annually besides the Out of School Children were also identified through door-to-door survey and their mainstreaming is done through direct enrolment. "The department has established seasonal centres for the children of tribal migratory population to prevent learning disruption during the migratory period," the minister for education, Sakina Itoo informed the Assembly. She also said that free uniforms and textbooks are being provided to around eight lakh children in government schools besides Mid-Day Meal (MDM) was provided under PM POSHAN to every child from pre-primary sections to class 8th. "Pre-primary sections have been started in 15550 government schools and an increase in enrolment has been recorded at pre-primary level," she said. She said that enrollment at pre-primary level has increased from 1.80 lacs in 2023-24 to 1.85 lacs in 2024-25. "Scholarship is being provided to the girls students under the Beti Anmol Scheme to encourage the girl's education at Senior Secondary level," she said. About the utilisation of buildings and vacant land of clubbed schools;, the government informed the Assembly that the school buildings and land rendered vacant due to the merger of schools has been handed over to the concerned district administration for utilisation by other departments. About the proposal for up gradation of schools, the government said that there was no such proposal for up-gradation of schools to their next higher level from (Primary to Middle), (Middle to High) and (High to Higher Secondary) including the schools of the border areas. "The School Education Department is focusing on creation of required infrastructure and providing staff to all schools especially the upgraded ones. As and when there is any proposal for up-gradation of existing schools, the feasible schools of border areas shall also be examined for consideration," the minister informed the House.